Crisnanalina overcomes financial struggles to begin university journey at UMS

11 October 2024

KOTA KINABALU: Crisnanalina Jumis, a young woman from Paitan who gained widespread attention after her financial difficulties nearly derailed her dream of attending university, has finally arrived at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to begin her studies.

The 20-year-old aspiring student, who had previously been unable to register due to a lack of funds, was welcomed warmly at the UMS campus on Friday.

In an effort to support her, the university arranged for transportation to bring Crisnanalina, along with her mother and aunt, to the campus for her registration.

UMS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Kasim Md Mansur, personally greeted Crisnanalina upon her arrival, underscoring the significance of the occasion.

"We are committed to supporting deserving students in their pursuit of education, and we are pleased to welcome Crisnanalina to our UMS family," said Prof. Kasim.

Crisnanalina’s story first came to light through a report in the Daily Express, which highlighted her struggle to afford university fees.

Her plight touched the hearts of many, leading to an outpouring of support from various quarters, including the Head of State, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, who extended assistance to ensure she could continue her studies.

With financial worries behind her, Crisnanalina is now set to pursue a degree in the Forest Plantation and Agroforestry Program in the Faculty of Tropical Forestry, UMS, a field she is deeply passionate about.

The support she has received stands as a testament to the power of community and the importance of investing in young talent, particularly from underserved areas like Paitan.

As Crisnanalina embarks on this new chapter in her life, she carries with her the hopes and encouragement of those who stepped in to help make her dream a reality.

Her journey is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by many students and the impact that timely assistance can have in changing lives.